Hoops Habit
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NBA Power Rankings: Hot or Cold Edition

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) shows emotion against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) shows emotion against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 10, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward David West (21) shoots from the foul line during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers won the game 93-92. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward David West (21) shoots from the foul line during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers won the game 93-92. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

23. Indiana Pacers

Previous: No. 22

Record: 15-25

Last Week: 1-3

Verdict: Ice Cold

The Indiana Pacers have suffered as massive a drop-off as any team in the NBA from 2013-14 to 2014-15. Without leading scorer Paul George—injury—and primary facilitator Lance Stephenson—free agency—Indiana is lost.

There doesn’t appear to be much hope for a turnaround.

Indiana is still an elite defense, but playing without George has left its fourth quarter attack without a paddle. Without clutch offense, the defense can only take it so far.

In some games, even the defense wavers.

Most recently, Indiana allowed Mo Williams to score 52 points. To make matters worse, Williams led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 110-101 win, thus ending a 15-game losing streak.

Indiana has some quality players, but until a player emerges as a star-caliber scorer, it will have trouble winning consistently.

Next: Shining without the Star